Fall Revival week features pastor and former chaplain Dee Kelley

Dee Kelley, current lead pastor at San Diego First Church of the Nazarene and former SNU chaplain, spoke during SNU’s Fall Revival Week. (Photo by Amy Lauver.)

By Amy Lauver, staff writer

Fall Revival took place this past week giving students the opportunity to receive extra chapel credits, but more importantly come closer to God. The guest speaker for this year was Dee Kelley, current lead pastor at San Diego First Church of the Nazarene and a former chaplain at SNU.

Dee Kelley was asked to speak by Jason Hubbert over the summer when the Spiritual Development office was in transition.

“Dee is a wonderful communicator and friend to SNU serving here for many wonderful years,” current chaplain Blair Spindle said. He had set goals he wished to accomplish during this time. “A week of revival is intended to challenge believers to new and deeper commitments and to be renewed in their faith walks. We hoped to achieve these same things.”

In Tuesday’s chapel, Dee Kelley focused on the idea that we are all God’s children. He expressed that it doesn’t matter where we come from because in the end, being linked to God is what matters.

On Wednesday, he talked about being at our most vulnerable state when God is truly seen. Kelley challenged the students to go to God in our weakest moments. Thursday, he preached from the offensive parables like The Lost Coin and Leaving the Ninety-Nine. He showed how the parables are difficult for our culture to accept because of the radical meanings they hold.

The revival was a great time to worship and grow closer to God.

“I got a lot out of it,” freshman Grace Williams said. “The third day was the best to me. And I really liked the kingdom come [Dee Kelley] spoke at. It was really interesting how he talked about praying and using imagination in your spiritual life. I really enjoyed having community worship every day.”

Since the services during Fall Revival Week were so popular among the students, improvements for next year are already being discussed.

“I’m interested to know if people might attend evening services on the three days of revival,” Spindle said. “This is something we might do next year.”